Secure handrail

ABSTRACT

A secure handrail may include an angled mounting bracket that is sized and shaped to fit onto a door. The angled mounting bracket may have a first plate that is sized and shape to fit against an inner face of door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb. The angle mounting bracket further have a second plate that is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb, and a handrail connected to the mounting bracket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/049,620, filed Jul. 8, 2020, entitled “SECUREHANDRAIL”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates generally to handrails, and more particularly, butnot by way of limitation, to systems, devices, and methods to handrailsfor mounting by a door.

BACKGROUND

The risk of falling can be a serious issue for many individuals. Fallscan lead to significant injury, such as a sprained or broken wrist,broken hip, or head injury. Falling risk can also lead to isolation fora person who avoids hazard areas such as stairs on the inside or outsideof a door. A handrail can be used by an individual to promote safety andmobility of the individual. Buildings typically have a handrail next toa flight of stairs, but often no handrail is provided at a door thatincludes a step at the threshold between inside a dwelling and a frontstep and a garage or front step. An individual who is prone to fall riskmay use a cane or walker, such aids are more useful on a flat surfaceand may not be feasible for use by some individuals when moving througha door with a step.

SUMMARY

This document discusses, among other things, systems, methods, and anapparatus to provide a secure handrail. In an example, the handrailincludes a mounting plate (e.g., support bracket, attachment member, orthe like). In another example, the mounting plate helps attach thehandrail to a structure (e.g., a doorframe, post, wall, or the like). Ahandrail extends from mounting plate. For instance, the handrail mayextend between an upper handrail portion that is connected to themounting plate and a lower handrail portion that is connected to themounting plate. For example, the handrail may extend from a surface ofthe mounting plate. In yet another example, an interior surface of themounting plate is engaged with the structure, and one or more fastenersattach the mounting plate to the structure. The handrail may extend froman exterior surface of the mounting plate. For example, the handrail mayextend from the mounting plate to provide support to an individualproximate the structure. In still yet another example, the handrailextends downward from the handrail, for instance to position thehandrail proximate a set of stairs. Accordingly, the handrail mayprovide support to a user traversing (e.g., walking, climbing, moving,ascending, descending, or the like) near the structure (e.g., the set ofstairs, a wall, or the like).

As described herein, the handrail includes a mounting plate. In anexample, the mounting plate includes a first flange and a second flange.For instance, the first flange is configured to engage with a first faceof the structure. A first set of through holes optionally extend throughthe first flange. The second flange may extend from the first flange.The second flange is configured to engage with a second face of thestructure. A second set of through holes optionally extend through thesecond flange. The mounting plate may be attached (e.g., coupled,secured, fixed, or the like) to the structure. In an example, one ormore fasteners engage with the mounting plate and the structure toattach the mounting plate to the structure. For instance, a firstfastener is received in one of the first set of through holes, and asecond fastener is received in one of the second set of through holes.

In another example, the first set of through holes are misaligned withrespect to the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of themounting plate. For instance, misalignment between the first and secondset of through holes enhances the attachment between the mounting plateand the structure. For instance, the misalignment between the first andsecond set of through holes inhibits interference (e.g., contact,engagement, binding, or the like) between fasteners that secure themounting plate to the structure. For example, the misalignment betweenthe first and second set of through holes inhibits interference betweenfasteners extending through the first flange and the second flange. Inan approach, a first fastener is received in a first hole of the firstset of through holes. The first fastener extends through the mountingplate and engages with the structure to attach the mounting plate to thestructure. A second fastener is received in a second hole of the secondset of through holes. In this approach, the first set of through holesare not misaligned with respect to the second set of through holes alongthe vertical axis. Accordingly, in this approach, the first fastenerinterferes with the second fastener while engaged with the structure.For instance, the first fastener is driven into the structure to attachthe first flange with the structure. The second fastener is driven intothe structure to attach the second flange with the structure. The secondfastener extends through the structure and toward the first fastener,and because of the proximity along the vertical axis, the secondfastener interferes with the first fastener. Interference betweenfasteners may reduce the coupling forces provided by the fasteners (andthe coupling forces attaching the handrail to the structure).Accordingly, misalignment of the first set of through holes and thesecond set of through holes enhances the attachment between the mountingplate and the structure, for instance by reducing interference betweenfasteners that attach the mounting plate to the structure.

In another example, reducing interference between fasteners enhances thecoupling forces between the structure and the fastener. For instance,misalignment of the first and second set of through holes helps providesufficient material (of the structure) for the fastener to engage withand couple the handrail with the structure. For instance, the fastenersoccupy space within the structure when engaging with the structure. Themisalignment between the first and second set of through holes helpsprovide sufficient space (e.g., clearance, tolerances, or the like)between the first fastener and the second fastener. In yet anotherexample, interference between fasteners may damage the structure (e.g.,by splitting wood of a rough opening that surrounds a doorway, or thelike). Accordingly, the misalignment between the first and second set ofthrough holes helps provide the fasteners with sufficient material toengage with the structure and thereby provide a specified coupling forcebetween the handrail and the structure. Thus, misalignment of the firstand second set of through holes helps enhance the coupling between thehandrail and the structure. Therefore, the enhanced coupling between thehandrail and the structure enhances the rigidity and strength to thehandrail attached to the structure.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter ofthe present patent application. It is not intended to provide anexclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detaileddescription is included to provide further information about the presentpatent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, butnot by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the presentdocument.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example handrail system mounted by a door andsteps.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a portion of a handrail shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a person holding a handrail as she goes up a flight ofsteps.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example handrail system mounted to a doorjamb and casing.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another example handrail system mounted to adoor jamb and casing.

FIGS. 5A-5D show top, side, front, and perspective views of an examplehandrail system.

FIG. 5E shows a perspective view of an example handrail having a shorterhandrail portion than the handrail system shown in FIG. 5D, which may beuseful at a door near a short set of steps.

FIG. 5F shows a handrail having offset holes to allow for securemounting while avoiding interference.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the modular handrail portionshown in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7A-7D shown example angle bracket having a first flange 106 andsecond flange 108 is shown.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a handrail system 100 attached toa structure 800

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A handrail system for use near a door may be configured to providesecure three-dimensional support by attaching to a structure (e.g., thedoorframe) in multiple planes. FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example handrailsystem 100.

Conventional handrails that provide support near a step or group ofsteps are typically connected to the ground at both a top and bottomportion of the structure. Most handrails are connected to the ground, orto a wall, but handrails are generally not connected to a door frame,e.g., to avoid putting holes in the door frame or creating anobstruction in the door passage.

In certain installations, it may be desirable to construct a handrailthat is connected at the top of a set of stairs, but is not connected tothe ground at a lower portion at the bottom of the stairs. For example,when a handrail is installed in a garage of a home, it may be difficultor undesirable to connect a handrail to a concrete floor. In othersituations, the ground may provide an undesirable or inconvenientmounting surface for structural or cosmetic reasons.

The present inventor has recognized, among other things, that a handrailsystem that is mounted at a step by a door may reduce the risk of fall.The present inventor has also recognized that a handrail that isattached to a single planar surface (e.g., a wall) may not withstandtorsional forces when a significant downward load or side load is placedon the handrail. To provide better support, an improved handrail systemmay include a mounting system that attaches to a support structure intwo planes to provide support for an individual moving through the doorand down the step (or up the step and through the door.) The mountingsystem may include an angled mounting bracket that engages two faces ofthe structural support for a door. For example, the angled mountingbracket may be secured to both a front face of a door support structurethat is approximately parallel with a closed door (e.g., the front faceof a door jamb, or a casing over the front face), and an inner face of adoor jamb that is approximately orthogonal to the door when the door isclosed. The angle bracket may be sized and shaped to provide sufficientstructural support to support a handrail, while avoiding interferencewith the door when the door is closed. In contrast, convention handrailsare typically mounted to the floor (which creates practicaldifficulties, e.g., with a concrete garage floor), or to the front face(e.g., to a wall) next to a door. The present handrail system offers theadvantage of providing a secure handrail with structural support inthree dimensions while avoiding interference with door operation.

With reference to FIG. 1A, a handrail system 100 may include a handrail102 that may be sized and shaped to be securely mounted to a door jamb190 that is next to a door 192 that allows passage through a wall 194and over a set of steps 188. The handrail 102 may be mounted at a heightjust below a doorknob 193 to provide a convenient grab height for aperson moving through the door and down the steps, or up the stepstoward the door, as shown in FIG. 2. In some examples, the system 100may include a first handrail 102 mounted on a first (e.g., left) sidedoor jamb and a second (e.g., right) handrail 104 mounted on a rightside door jamb.

The handrail 102 may include a mounting plate 105. In an example, themounting plate 105 includes a first flange 106 and a second flange 108.In an example, the flanges 106, 108 are in in different planes toprovide secure attachment to the door jamb 190 (or a jamb casing overthe door jamb) in a manner that provides structural security to robustlyresist torsional forces and load forces in three dimensions to providestable three-dimensional support for the handrail. For example, mostdoor jambs are designed to have a front jamb face 196 (which may be partof the door jamb, or a jamb casing that is mounted over the jamb) thatis approximately perpendicular (“square” in carpentry terms) to a sidejamb face 198 (e.g., in a plane parallel to the door when the door isclosed). To fit such a door jamb and provide strong support for ahandrail, first flange 106 may be constructed to be square, e.g.,approximately perpendicular, to second flange 106. Together, flanges 106and 108 form an angle piece 109. While the flanges 106, 108 do not haveto be exactly perpendicular (e.g., 90 degrees), as a handrail withflanges that are a few degrees off of square (e.g., <5 degrees) maystill be used to achieve a secure mount, ideally the first flange 106 isas close as possible to perpendicular to second flange 106. In otherless typical examples, front jamb face 196 may be in a differentconfiguration relative to side face 198 (e.g., approximately 135degrees), in which case first flange 106 may be configured to match(e.g., second flange 106 may be formed at 135 degrees relative to firstflange 106.) In various examples, the flanges 106 and 108 may be formedfrom a single sheet that is formed to configure mounting 108 at adesired angle relative to first flange 106, or flanges 106 and 108 maybe formed from an extruded piece of material, or second flange 106 maybe welded or otherwise connected to first flange 106 at a joint 107, orfirst flange 106 and 108 may be shaped to snap or otherwise fittogether. Flanges 106, 108 are preferably formed from a metal such assteel or aluminum. In an example, flanges 106, 108 are made from 3.175mm (0.125 inch) think carbon steel, or stainless steel, or aluminum.

FIG. 1B shows an enlarged view of the handrail 102 shown in FIG. 1A.First flange 106 may have holes 122 a, 122 b, (and a third hole, notshown) that are sized and shaped to receive a connector 123 a, 123 b,which may for example be a wood screw that is sized and shaped to screwinto the door jamb. Second flange 106 may also have holes 124 a, 124 b,124 c that are sized and shaped to receive respective connectors 125 a,125 b, 125 c (e.g., wood screws.) In some examples, the through holesextending through the flanges 106, 108 are countersunk on their exteriorfaces to receive a head of a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, or thelike). Accordingly, interference between the fasteners and adjacentstructures (e.g., a door adjacent the flange 108, or the like) may beminimized.

The secure handrail 102 may a handrail portion 110 that is sized andshaped to be gripped by a human hand. The handrail portion 100 may beabout 25-38 mm, preferably 31.75 mm (1-1.5 inches, preferably 1.25 inch)across. In an example, the handrail portion 110 may be a tube that hasan average cross-sectional dimension (e.g., circumference) C of 31.75 mm(1.25 inches.) The handrail portion 110 may attach (e.g., welded orassembled with connectors such as bolts, or fit into a formed structuresuch as a slot) to first flange 106. The handrail portion 110 may extenddownward from the first flange 106 at an angle to form an angle A withthe door jamb. The angle A may be selected to approximately match theangle of descent of steps (e.g., 23 to 40 degrees, and preferably 32degrees.)

The handrail portion 110 may include an upper handrail portion 112,which may advantageously be aligned (e.g. approximately coplanar) withthe second flange 108. The handrail portion 110 may also include a lowerhandrail portion 114, which may be aligned (e.g., approximately coplanarand approximately parallel) with the upper handrail portion, and may bedisplaced from the upper handrail portion as shown in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B,and FIG. 2. The upper handrail portion 112 and lower handrail portion114 may be coupled (e.g., welded) to the first flange 106 at respectiveupper connecting location 113 and lower mounting location 115. The lowerconnecting location 115 may be displaced a distance Q (e.g., 15-25 cm(6-10 inches)) from the upper connecting location 113 to providestructural rigidity in the handrail 102. In an example, the lowerconnecting location 115 may be 10 cm to 18 cm (4 to 7 inches) from theupper connecting location 113, with a preferable spacing of about 11.4cm (4.5 inches.) In some examples, both the upper handrail portion 112and lower handrail portion 114 may be sized and shaped to be gripped byperson's hand, to accommodate persons of varying height (e.g., a shorterperson may prefer to grab the lower handrail 114.) The lower handrailportion 114 may be coupled (e.g., connected) to the upper handrailportion 112 to provide structural stability. In an example, the lowerhandrail portion 114 may be connected to the upper handrail portion 1120by an end portion 120 of the handrail 110. The lower handrail portion114 may be approximately parallel to the upper handrail portion 112 asshown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 3, but other configurations are possible,e.g., as shown in FIG. 4. the upper handrail portion and lower handrailportion may form an angle B of about 20 degrees to 50 degrees, but aconfiguration where the lower handrail is aligned with (e.g., parallel,or an angle of less than 5 degrees) the upper handrail is preferred.

The construction of the handrail with flanges 106, 108 in two differentplanes and upper and lower handrail portions that mount at connectinglocations 113, 115 that are displaced from one enough creates a stablestructure. When a force F1 is exerted on the handrail 110, a downwardtorsional force T1 (including and a force F2 pulling away from the frontface 196 of the door jamb) is generated and resisted by angled flanges106, 108. The presence of second flange 106 and connectors 125 a, 125 b,125 c (e.g., screws, or the like) through the mounting plate providesadditional support, because the connectors and adjacent portions of thedoor jamb experience a side-loaded shear force, whereas the front firstflange 106 and associated connectors 123 a, 123 b primarily experience alinear “pulling” force that must be resisted by axial structure on theconnectors (e.g., screw threads), which can provide less resistance thanthe side-loaded connectors 125 a, 125 b, 125 c. In other words, theflanges can work together to provide resist force F2 generated by aperson pressing down to create force F1 on the handrail 110. Similarly,a side load S1 or S2 may generate forces that may put axial loads S2 onone or more of connectors 125 a, 125 b, 125 c but are resisted byconnectors 123 a, 123 b (and hidden connector 123 c) which experienceshear force and are thus less likely to lose their connection with thedoor jamb. The self-supporting construction of the handrail 102 meansthat it may provide a secure connection without attaching a support tothe floor. In other words, size shape and configuration of themechanical elements of the secure handrail allow for the handrailportion to not be structurally supported, except through connection tothe mounting plate 105.

In some examples, the handrail portion 110 may be a unitary structure(e.g., formed tube) that forms the upper handrail portion 112, endportion 120, and lower handrail portion. In an example, the handrailportion 110 may be formed from a tube having a diameter between 25.4 mmand 38 mm (1 to 1.5 inches), preferably about 32 mm (1.25 inches).

An example handrail system 500 is shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. The handrailsystem 500 may be the handrail system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Thehandrail system 500 may have a mounting bracket 502 that may, forexample, be between 152 cm and 203 cm (6-12 inches), preferably about21.6 cm (8.5 inches.) The handrail system may have a handrail portion504 that may have a length L of 30-102 cm (12-40 inches) and preferablyabout 81 cm (32 inches). The handrail portion 504 may be at an angle of23 to 40 degrees, and preferably 32 degrees with respect to a top edgeof the mounting bracket (and with respect to horizontal.) FIG. 5E showsa perspective view of an example handrail system 500 having a shorterhandrail portion than the handrail system shown in FIG. 5D, which may beuseful at a door near a short set of steps.

An example angle bracket 700 having a first flange 106 and second flange108 is shown in FIGS. 7A-7D. The bracket may be formed from steel thathas a thickness B of about 3 mm (0.125 inch) think, and may be formed tohave an angle R of about 90 degrees between the first flange 106 andsecond flange 108, although other angles possible (but less typical.)

The first flange 106 may be large enough to provide structural support,while not extending past the door jamb. For example, the first flangemay have a width C between 5.8 and 7 cm (2.25 to 2.75 inches),preferably about 6.4 cm (2.5 inches) and a height D (top to bottom)between 152 cm and 203 cm (6-12 inches), preferably about 21.6 cm (8.5inches.) The second flange 108 may be sized and shaped to be largeenough to provide structural support, while not interfering withoperation or closing of a door in the door jamb. For example, the secondflange may have a width K between 7 and 8.3 cm (2.75 to 3.25 inches),preferably about 7.6 cm (3 inches) and a height D (top to bottom)between 152 cm and 203 cm (6-12 inches), preferably about 21.6 cm (8.5inches), and typically the same height as the first flange.

The mounting holes in the first flange may be a distance F of about 1.3cm (0.5 inches) from a side edge of the first flange and a distance G ofabout 1.3 cm (0.5 inches) from a top (or bottom) edge of the firstflange. The dimensions provided herein with respect to the mountingplate, handrail, or the like are provided by way of example.Accordingly, a person having ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethat the dimensions of the mounting plate, handrail, or the like mayvary from those provided herein.

The mounting holes in the second flange are preferably near the doorside of the mounting plate (as shown in FIG. 1B) and are preferablypositioned to be displaced a distance M of about 1.3 cm (0.5 inches)from the inner edge of first flange to increase the likelihood ofmounting into a strong structural location of the door jamb, as opposedto a less-secure object such as the door jamb casing. The mounting holesin the second flange may be offset from the holes in the first flange106, for instance to avoid interference with a screw inserted throughthe second flange with a screw inserted through the first flange.

In an example, the holes are misaligned a vertical axis 506 (shown inFIG. 5F) of the handrail. For instance, a first through hole 808 of thefirst flange 106 is spaced apart from a second through hole 810 of thesecond flange 108 by a distance 812 along the vertical axis 506 (shownin FIG. 5F). In another example, each of the through holes extendingthough the first flange 106 are offset along the vertical axis 506 fromeach of the through holes extending through the second flange. In anexample, 3 through holes extend through the first flange 106. The secondflange 108 may include 3 through holes extending therethrough. Thus, thenumber of through holes in the first flange 106 may equal the number ofthrough holes in the second flange 108 (however, the number of throughholes in the flanges 106, 108 may differ from the number describedherein). The 3 through holes of the first flange 108 may be offset alongthe vertical axis 506 from the 3 through holes of the second flange 108.Accordingly, interference between fasteners may be minimized by theoffset of the through holes along the vertical axis 506.

In another example, the distance L may be about 25 mm (1 inch).Alternatively, the holes in the first flange may be closer to the edgesof the plate to provide more space for mounting of a handle portion, andthe holes in the second flange may be offset to avoid interference, asshown in FIG. 5F. An additional mounting hole may optionally be provided(e.g., distance J from an edge of the flange, which may be near thecenter of the length D) on the second flange 108, and another mountinghole may optionally be provided in a position that is offset (e.g.,distance O from a corresponding edge) to avoid interference when screwsare mounted through the holes and into a door jamb or other structure.In yet another example, the flange 108 extends

As shown in FIGS. 5D-5F and FIG. 6, in some examples, the handrailportion 110 may be or include a tube. The handrail portion may forexample, be selected to provide desirable material qualities, such asgrip, feel, or cosmetic appearance. In some examples, a portion 130 ofthe tube in the upper handrail portion 112 may be a modular handrailportion 600 formed from a wood portion 602 that is connected to a metalframe 604, as shown in FIG. 5E and FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a handrail system 100 attached toa structure 800 (e.g., a door jamb, rough opening, post, wall, or thelike). One or more fasteners, such as a first fastener 802 and a secondfastener 804 engage with the mounting plate 105 and the structure 800 toattach the mounting plate 105 to the structure 800. The fasteners mayinclude (but are not limited to) screws, bolts, nails, drywall anchors,or the like). In an example, the fasteners 802, 804 have a fastenerdimension 814 (e.g., a length of a shank of a bolt, or the like). Thedimension C of the flange 108 may be greater than the fastener dimension814, for instance to minimize interference between the first fastener802 and the second fastener 804 while the fasteners 802, 804 are locatedin the structure 800 (and engaged with the mounting plate 105). In someexamples, the dimension C of the flange 108 is greater than thedimension K of the second flange 106. Thus, in an example, the flanges106, 108 may be sized and shaped to fit in a doorway while minimizinginterference between the flanges 106, 108 and the door in the doorway(e.g., engagement between the door and the flange 106 with the door inthe closed position, or the like).

VARIOUS NOTES & ASPECTS

Example 1 is a secure handrail comprising: a mounting plate that issized and shape for attachment to a structure, wherein the mountingplate includes: a first flange configured to engage with a first face ofthe structure, wherein a first set of through holes extend through thefirst flange; a second flange extending from the first flange, thesecond flange configured to engage with a second face of the structure,wherein: a second set of through holes extend through the second flange;and the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to thesecond set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate;and a handrail portion sized and shaped to extend from the mountingplate, the handrail extending between an upper handrail portion that isconnected to the mounting plate and a lower handrail portion that isconnected to the mounting plate.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includeswherein the first flange has a first flange dimension and the secondflange has a second flange dimension, and the second flange dimension isdifferent than the first flange dimension.

In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2optionally include a first fastener configured for reception in one ofthe first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener has a firstfastener dimension: wherein one or more of the first flange dimension orthe second flange dimension are greater than the first fastenerdimension.

In Example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-3optionally include wherein the first flange is less than or equal to thefirst fastener dimension.

In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4optionally include wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first setof through holes is equal to the quantity of through holes in the secondset of through holes; and each of first set of through holes aremisaligned with each of the second set of through holes along thevertical axis.

In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5optionally include wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first setof through holes is different than the quantity of through holes in thesecond set of through holes; and each of first set of through holes aremisaligned with each of the second set of through holes along thevertical axis.

In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6optionally include a first fastener configured for reception in one ofthe first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener is configuredto couple with the structure and attach the mounting plate with thestructure; a second fastener configured for reception in one of thesecond set of through holes, wherein the second fastener is configuredto couple with the structure and attach the mounting plate with thestructure; and the misalignment along the vertical axis between thefirst set of through holes and the second set of through holes isconfigured to inhibit interference between the first fastener and thesecond fastener when coupling the fasteners with the structure.

In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7optionally include wherein; the first set of through holes includes afirst through hole having a first dimension; the second set of throughholes includes a second through hole; and the second through hole ismisaligned along the vertical axis by an offset.

In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 optionally includeswherein: the first flange is sized and shape to fit against an innerface of a door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb; and thesecond flange is sized and shaped to fit against a front face of thedoor jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb.

Example 10 is a secure handrail comprising: a first flange that is sizedand shaped to fit a front jamb face of a door jamb or a casing over thedoor jamb, wherein the first flange includes a first set of throughholes to accommodate a first mounting connector; a second flangeextending from the first flange, wherein: the second flange is sized andshaped to fit a side jamb face of a door jamb; the second flange has asecond set of through holes to accommodate a second mounting connector;the second flange is sized and shaped to provide structural supportwithout interfering with a door that is adjacent the door jamb; and thefirst set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second setof through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate; and ahandrail securely coupled to the first flange, the handrail having anupper handrail portion securely coupled to the first flange at an upperconnecting location, and a lower handrail portion securely coupled tothe first flange at a lower connecting location.

In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 optionally includeswherein the lower handrail portion is parallel to the upper handrailportion.

In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-11optionally include an end handrail portion extending between the upperhandrail portion and the lower handrail portion.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includeswherein the handrail portion includes a unitary structure that forms atleast a portion of the upper handrail portion, the lower handrailportion, and the end portion.

In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 10-13optionally include the first fastener and the second fastener.

In Example 15, the subject matter of Example 14 optionally includeswherein the first fastener and the second fastener have an equal length.

Example 16 is a secure handrail comprising: an angled mounting bracketthat is sized and shaped to fit onto a door, the angled mounting brackethaving a first flange that is sized and shape to fit against an innerface of door jamb when a door is closed in the door jamb, the anglemounting bracket further having a second flange that is sized and shapedto fit against a front face of the door jamb or against a casing mountedover a door jamb; a handrail connected to the mounting bracket; andwherein: a first set of through holes extend through the first flange; asecond set of through holes extend through the second flange; and thefirst set of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second setof through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate.

In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includeswherein the handrail does not mount to a floor beneath the handrail.

In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-17optionally include wherein the first face of the mounting bracketincludes a first set of holes and the second face of the mountingbracket has a second set of holes, the holes being sized, shaped, andpositioned to receive screws to secure into the door jamb such that themounting bracket is securely mounted without interfering with operationof the door.

In Example 19, the subject matter of Example undefined optionallyincludes, wherein the first set of through holes is offset from thesecond set of through holes so that fasteners inserted through thesecond set of through holes do not interfere with fasteners insertedthrough the first set of through holes.

In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-19optionally include wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first setof through holes is equal to the quantity of through holes in the secondset of through holes; and each of first set of through holes aremisaligned with each of the second set of through holes along thevertical axis.

In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 16-20optionally include wherein. a quantity of through holes in the first setof through holes is different than the quantity of through holes in thesecond set of through holes; and each of first set of through holes aremisaligned with each of the second set of through holes along thevertical axis.

Each of these non-limiting aspects can stand on its own, or can becombined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of theother aspects.

The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings,which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by wayof illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can bepracticed. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.”Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown ordescribed. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples inwhich only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, thepresent inventors also contemplate examples using any combination orpermutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspectsthereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or moreaspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) shown or described herein.

In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and anydocuments so incorporated by reference, the usage in this documentcontrols.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In thisdocument, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unlessotherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device,article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements inaddition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemedto fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the followingclaims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merelyas labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements ontheir objects.

Geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “round”, or“square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision,unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric termsallow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. Forexample, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” acomponent that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightlyoblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by thisdescription.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangiblystored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangiblecomputer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but arenot limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable opticaldisks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes,memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to complywith 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description,various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure.This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosedfeature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter maylie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that suchembodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations orpermutations. The scope of the invention should be determined withreference to the appended claims, along with the full scope ofequivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A secure handrail comprising: a mounting plate that is sized andshape for attachment to a structure, wherein the mounting plateincludes: a first flange configured to engage with a first face of thestructure, wherein a first set of through holes extend through the firstflange; a second flange extending from the first flange, the secondflange configured to engage with a second face of the structure,wherein: a second set of through holes extend through the second flange;and the first set of through holes are misaligned with respect to thesecond set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate;and a handrail portion sized and shaped to extend from the mountingplate, the handrail extending between an upper handrail portion that isconnected to the mounting plate and a lower handrail portion that isconnected to the mounting plate.
 2. The secure handrail of claim 1,wherein the first flange has a first flange dimension and the secondflange has a second flange dimension, and the second flange dimension isdifferent than the first flange dimension.
 3. The secure handrail ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first fastener configured for receptionin one of the first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener hasa first fastener dimension; wherein one or more of the first flangedimension or the second flange dimension are greater than the firstfastener dimension.
 4. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein the firstflange is less than or equal to the first fastener dimension.
 5. Thesecure handrail of claim 1, wherein: a quantity of through holes in thefirst set of through holes is equal to the quantity of through holes inthe second set of through holes; and each of first set of through holesare misaligned with each of the second set of through holes along thevertical axis.
 6. The secure handrail of claim 1, wherein: a quantity ofthrough holes in the first set of through holes is different than thequantity of through holes in the second set of through holes; and eachof first set of through holes are misaligned with each of the second setof through holes along the vertical axis.
 7. The secure handrail ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first fastener configured for receptionin one of the first set of through holes, wherein the first fastener isconfigured to couple with the structure and attach the mounting platewith the structure; a second fastener configured for reception in one ofthe second set of through holes, wherein the second fastener isconfigured to couple with the structure and attach the mounting platewith the structure; and the misalignment along the vertical axis betweenthe first set of through holes and the second set of through holes isconfigured to inhibit interference between the first fastener and thesecond fastener when coupling the fasteners with the structure.
 8. Thesecure handrail of claim 1, wherein: the first set of through holesincludes a first through hole having a first dimension; the second setof through holes includes a second through hole; and the second throughhole is misaligned along the vertical axis by an offset.
 9. The securehandrail of claim 8, wherein: the first flange is sized and shape to fitagainst an inner face of a door jamb when a door is closed in the doorjamb; and the second flange is sized and shaped to fit against a frontface of the door jamb or against a casing mounted over a door jamb. 10.A secure handrail comprising: a first flange that is sized and shaped tofit a front jamb face of a door jamb or a casing over the door jamb,wherein the first flange includes a first set of through holes toaccommodate a first mounting connector; a second flange extending fromthe first flange, wherein: the second flange is sized and shaped to fita side jamb face of a door jamb; the second flange has a second set ofthrough holes to accommodate a second mounting connector; the secondflange is sized and shaped to provide structural support withoutinterfering with a door that is adjacent the door jamb; and the firstset of through holes are misaligned with respect to the second set ofthrough holes along a vertical axis of the mounting plate; and ahandrail securely coupled to the first flange, the handrail having anupper handrail portion securely coupled to the first flange at an upperconnecting location, and a lower handrail portion securely coupled tothe first flange at a lower connecting location.
 11. The secure handrailof claim 10, wherein the lower handrail portion is parallel to the upperhandrail portion.
 12. The secure handrail of claim 10, furthercomprising an end handrail portion extending between the upper handrailportion and the lower handrail portion.
 13. The secure handrail of claim12, wherein the handrail portion includes a unitary structure that formsat least a portion of the upper handrail portion, the lower handrailportion, and the end portion.
 14. The secure handrail of claim 10,further comprising the first fastener and the second fastener.
 15. Thesecure handrail of claim 14, wherein the first fastener and the secondfastener have an equal length.
 16. A secure handrail comprising: anangled mounting bracket that is sized and shaped to fit onto a door, theangled mounting bracket having a first flange that is sized and shape tofit against an inner face of door jamb when a door is closed in the doorjamb, the angle mounting bracket further having a second flange that issized and shaped to fit against a front face of the door jamb or againsta casing mounted over a door jamb; a handrail connected to the mountingbracket; and wherein: a first set of through holes extend through thefirst flange; a second set of through holes extend through the secondflange; and the first set of through holes are misaligned with respectto the second set of through holes along a vertical axis of the mountingplate.
 17. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein the handrail doesnot mount to a floor beneath the handrail.
 18. The secure handrail ofclaim 16, wherein the first face of the mounting bracket includes afirst set of holes and the second face of the mounting bracket has asecond set of holes, the holes being sized, shaped, and positioned toreceive screws to secure into the door jamb such that the mountingbracket is securely mounted without interfering with operation of thedoor.
 19. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein the first set ofthrough holes is offset from the second set of through holes so thatfasteners inserted through the second set of through holes do notinterfere with fasteners inserted through the first set of throughholes.
 20. The secure handrail of claim 16, wherein: a quantity ofthrough holes in the first set of through holes is equal to the quantityof through holes in the second set of through holes; and each of firstset of through holes are misaligned with each of the second set ofthrough holes along the vertical axis.
 21. The secure handrail of claim16, wherein: a quantity of through holes in the first set of throughholes is different than the quantity of through holes in the second setof through holes; and each of first set of through holes are misalignedwith each of the second set of through holes along the vertical axis.